Thomas Johnson Jr., 1921-2010

Sunday

A memorial service with a reception following will take place at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 30, at Missouri United Methodist Church, 204 S. Ninth St., Columbia. It will be officiated by Pastor Molly Moore.

Mr. Johnson was born Oct. 30, 1921 in St. Louis to Thomas R. Johnson Sr. and Ines A. Stewart Johnson. On Sept. 1, 1951, he married Dorothy E. Pfarr in St. Louis, and they were married for 58 years. She survives.

Ralph Johnson graduated from Wellston High School and studied mining engineering at the University of Missouri-Rolla. In July 1942, he joined the Army Air Forces and was assigned to the 407th Bomb Group of the 8th Air Force in Podingham, England. As a B-17 pilot, he successfully completed 35 missions.

Following World War II, he attended Central Methodist College, graduating in 1949 with a B.A. in English and mathematics. He received a M.Ed. in school administration from the University of Missouri in 1952.

He was a pilot in the U.S. Air Force for 26 years, flying combat missions in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. He also served in Thailand and Japan. He taught ROTC at the University of Missouri for three years. In 1968, he retired from the Air Force with the rank of major. In service to his country, he received the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal.

Upon retirement, Mr. Johnson dedicated his time to volunteering. He volunteered for over 20 years at Truman Veterans Hospital, logging over 8,750 volunteer hours. He also volunteered for the Red Cross Bloodmobile, Meals on Wheels and many other community organizations.

He was a member of Voiture No. 292 of the 40 & 8, VFW Post 280, American Legion Post 202 and Missouri United Methodist Church. He was also a member of the Quiet Birdmen.

Survivors include his wife, Dorothy E. Pfarr Johnson of Columbia; a son, Byron Ralph Johnson of Portland, Ore., and a brother, Stewart Kenneth Johnson of St. Charles.

He was preceded in death by a son, Gale Kenneth Johnson.

Memorials are suggested to Missouri United Methodist Church, Columbia Humane Society, or to The National World War II Museum.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.